MiLB jobs

[DTQ_Blue]

I went to 2 Class A MiLB games near where I live last year. First pro game I'd attended since I started umpiring 3 years ago (in my 50's). I watched the umpires (2 man crew) more than the players, much to the bemusement of my 20 year old son. I had front row seats close enough to count the BU's chin hairs. Both umps looked like kids right out of HS or college. I got curious about the subject and read a little. Seems like the lifestyle and pay factors work to primarily attract young unattached guys who are much more amenable to the low pay and the lifestyle. Then it's either move up quickly or get out because the pay/lifestyle are not attractive as these guys get a little bit older.

It would be interesting to hear about the lifestyle from anyone who actually umpired MiLB. Do you have to take bus rides to the destinations, do you ever get to eat decent food, etc.

[johnnyg08]

I've read that MiLB isn't that great of a life financially and per diem wise until at least AAA...then of course "the show" is off the hook.

[lawump]

Originally Posted by DTQ_Blue

It would be interesting to hear about the lifestyle from anyone who actually umpired MiLB. Do you have to take bus rides to the destinations, do you ever get to eat decent food, etc.

(1) No. In the low minors, partners are paired such that one has (or can provide) a vehicle for the crew to travel around the league in, and the other does not have a vehicle.

(2) Only on the nights when Dennis Cregg (MiLB evaluator) takes you out to eat after your game. (He knows the best place in every town...and he pays)...otherwise, no.

[lawump]

Originally Posted by lawump

(1) No. In the low minors, partners are paired such that one has (or can provide) a vehicle for the crew to travel around the league in, and the other does not have a vehicle.

(2) Only on the nights when Dennis Cregg (MiLB evaluator) takes you out to eat after your game. (He knows the best place in every town...and he pays)...otherwise, no.

I take that back...one night in S/WB Greg Gibson's crew took my partner and I out for a great meal. Two years later, all 3 became MLBers. Not too many crews in the history of AAA that had all three become MLBers...kind of due to the "unique" circumstances of '99.

[NFump]

Garth,

Congrats to you and Matt as well. I'm very happy to hear he got the call. All the guys who attended the clinic with him were pulling for him to make it. Again, congratulations to Matt.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by DTQ_Blue

do you ever get to eat decent food, etc.

The clubs are supposed to provide a meal on game day. Often it is a hot dog, chips and cold coke delivered to the umpire's dressing room in the fifth inning so that by the end of the game it is a cold dog, chips and hot coke.

My bride and I have provided meals for some crews and the local association has taken crews out to dinner after games.

We've discovered that in early season they like to be taken out, but as the season wears on they prefer the home cooking.

[DTQ_Blue]

Thanks Garth,

If your son ever gets to the Carolina League have him contact me when he works a Potamac Nationals game and my wife will cook him his best meal of the season.

Some guys marry into money, I married into food.